After two days of grueling jury selection, the trial of Andy Brown began Thursday in St. Joseph County Circuit Court in Centreville.

Brown, 37, of Portage, is on trial for murder in the 2013 shooting death of David Locey of Sturgis.

Proceedings began Thursday with swearing-in of the 12-member jury of nine women and three men. After brief instruction from Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman, St. Joseph County Prosecutor John McDonough presented his opening arguments.

McDonough began by sharing his theory about the crime and his belief why Brown is guilty.

“I believe my evidence will show this was first-degree murder,” McDonough said.

He went on to tell the court of a 2005 embezzlement conviction against Brown in Kalamazoo and how Brown lost his CPA license.

McDonough said Don Eaton had introduced Brown to Locey, who then took Brown under his wing and eventually helped Brown get back his license.

McDonough outlined evidence he plans to present, including expert testimony on evidence recovered from Brown’s clothing.

“Gunshot residue will become very important,” McDonough said.

McDonough closed by saying that the shooting was a cold-blooded killing by Brown.

“It’s our belief Brown, armed with a gun, killed David Locey at very close range,” he said.

Hills went to explain that Brown brought his own clients into David F. Locey CPA and that the staff at the business didn’t like Brown.

“There were problems in the office,” Hills said.

In regard to a heated meeting that took place the day before Locey was murdered, Hills said the two men worked through their issues.

“There is no motive — Mr. Locey was supporting Mr. Brown,” Hills said. “Evidence will point to someone else (other) than Brown.”

Cheri Locey, wife of David Locey, was first to take the stand Thursday. She talked about two businesses she and her husband owned. She described her husband’s typical daily routine: On his way to work, he stopped at Snappy, bought coffee, a Sturgis Journal and $5 in gas.

“He did this every morning,” Cheri Locey said.

The defense did not cross-examine.

Next to take the stand was dispatcher Ramona Metzger, who took a 911 call from Tammy Brunner on Oct. 2, 2013, the day of the shooting. The entire 911 call was played for the jury.

In the recording, Brunner can be heard telling Metzger that she thought Andy Brown was the shooter. Metzger asked if it could have been self-inflicted, Brunner answered, “No, no.”

Page 2 of 2 - In the day’s most emotional testimony, Brunner took the stand and tearfully recalled the morning of Oct. 2 when she found Locey’s body.

Brunner said she saw a bullet wound in Locey’s forehead and a bullet hole in the wall of his office.

Brunner testified that she found Locey on the floor next to a drafting-style table.

“I said his name a few times,” Brunner said. “I didn’t want to believe what I was seeing.”

Brunner also testified about a heated meeting at the office on Oct. 1.

“Dave was upset, he was distraught,” Brunner said.

She added that Brown also appeared to be upset at the conclusion of the meeting. She added that Andy’s wife Heather Brown, who was also present at the meeting, left angrily, squealing the tires on her vehicle as she departed.

Under cross-examination by Hills, Brunner said billing issues were discussed at that meeting.

She also said Brown was never verbally or physically abusive to office personnel.

Under re-direct by McDonough, Brunner was asked about her first encounter with Brown on the day of the shooting.

Donald Berry, a technician from ADT, testified about who unlocked doors at Locey’s business, and when they were unlocked.

Sturgis Police Sgt. Rich Johnson was first at the shooting scene and testified about what he saw when he entered the business.

“I heard Tammy yelling from a back office,” Johnson said. “Tammy was traumatized.”

Johnson told the court he took Brunner outside and placed her in the front of his patrol car. When other police units arrived, the business was searched and crime scene tape placed around the premises, Johnson said.

Retired St. Joseph County Sheriff’s deputy Pete VanCamp was the final witness of the day. VanCamp testified to being a member of the St. Joseph County Major Crimes Task Force. He was questioned about several photographs he took at the scene. VanCamp also testified that he attended Locey’s autopsy the following day. He said three bullets were removed from Locey.